The big expenses are tuition and fees and room and board. But there are others, too.

When you are applying to college, you will need to plan for application fees and fees for taking college admissions tests. (Although if you can’t afford these, you may be able to apply for a waiver or get financial assistance to pay for these costs. See your school counselor or college access provider.)

The college’s financial aid and admissions offices can give you more specifics, but here is some more information to help you get started:

• Tuition and Fees: These costs may vary based on your academic program and number of credit hours you take each semester. Keep in mind that public colleges often cost less than private colleges, sometimes much less.
  
• Room and Board: These costs are billed by the college if you live and eat on campus and will vary depending on your room and meal plan. If you live off campus and don’t sign up for a meal plan, you'll need to factor in costs for rent and food.
• Books and Supplies: This is for your course materials. Each college should be able to provide you a more specific estimate, but the national average at four-year private colleges in 2008-09 was $1,077, according to the College Board.
• Personal Expenses: You also need to plan for other costs — from laundry to snacks — which fall under personal expenses. The College Board reports that the national average for students who lived on campus at four-year private colleges in 2008-09 was $1,906.
• Travel: This expense depends on where you go to school, how far it is from home and how often you plan to go home. The national average for four-year public colleges in 2008-09 was $1,010, according to the College Board.

• Learn how to reduce your costs.
  
• Learn about tools that can help you find out how much you need to save.
  

DC Tuition Assistance Grant Program

DC provides a unique assistance program for District residents. State colleges almost always charge less for in-state residents. Through the DC Tuition Assistanace Grant (DCTAG) Program, DC students can receive grants of up to $10,000 toward the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at public four-year colleges and universities throughout the United States. That means if you go to places such as University of Maryland or the University of Florida, both in-state public schools, you qualify for the $10,000. You also can receive up to $2,500 per academic year toward tuition at private colleges in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, private historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) nationwide, and two-year colleges nationwide.

Funds are limited; don’t delay. Get your application in as soon as possible after January 1. Find out more.